Sharing Information with Your Home Inspector

I remember the last time I was part of the purchase of a new home. Just the picture of the outside of the house on the Internet made my heart flutter. Everyone dreams about their version of a white picket fence. This was my picture ... and then some, complete with a handmade wooden swing hanging from a tree branch out front. I had on the biggest rose-colored glasses in the world when I walked through the first time. I couldn't believe something so beautiful could be mine. Even then, I had some questions, some things that were especially important to me, about the past maintenance and care of the home. Disclosure statements helped, but I knew I wanted the home inspected by a professional.

Everyone has items of concern. Some can fix almost anything. Others are intimidated by the sight of a toolbox. Because of that, it's important to discuss your particular needs and wants with your home inspector. Professionals will follow a set of standards and a code of ethics that show you specifically what will and won't be covered in the inspection. Make sure to review that when signing the pre-inspection agreement. If there is a particular concern you have, write it down and ASK.

The homeowner's knowledge is especially important when it comes to Builder's Warranty Inspections.

Do you notice drafts in particular rooms?
Do certain areas stay cold in winter? or too warm in summer?
Have you notice leaks?
Do all the light swiches and outlets work properly?
Are there doors or windows that don't open and close easily?

Noting these items before an inspection can help you get the best information and, in the case of a builder's warranty inspection, can help identify all items that need to be addressed by the builder prior to the end of the warranty period.